By Nammi Bhagvandoss

nbhagvandoss@joplinglobe.com

Boomtown Days organizers on Wednesday announced the addition of a fireworks display this year at the Joplin festival.

It also was announced during a luncheon that Spider-Man has been added to the lineup. He will appear the afternoon of Sunday, June 3. The festival runs June 1 through 3 at Landreth Park.

Mark Williams, the festival’s executive chairman, talked about how a $3 admission button will help him save money this year.

Williams said he spent $79 last year for his three boys to participate in activities such as the petting zoo, Ferris wheel, mini-train and pony rides, but this year he will be spending only $9.

“I’m looking forward to spending $9,” he said.

The only way the organizers are able to provide this service is with the help of sponsorships, Williams said. “It takes more than $50,000 in direct sponsorships from businesses to underwrite the kids’ activities costs and concerts,” he said.

“We’re spending $95,000 on entertainment, $25,000 on kids’ activities, $5,000 to $10,000 on logistics like (portable restrooms).”

The organizers have a budget of about $250,000, half of which is in actual money and half in in-kind donations, he said.

Williams said promoters believe the economic impact of the overall event for Joplin will be $2 million.

The festival hours will be 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 1; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 2; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 3.

Organizers are expecting 35,000 to 40,000 people to attend.

Featured musical performers will be Our Heart’s Hero and Mark Schultz on June 1, Restless Heart, BlackHawk and Little Texas on June 2, and Pine Mountain Railroad on June 3.